zoëa

/zoʊˈi.ə/

ZOƱI · ə (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A larval stage of certain decapod crustaceans, especially of decapods such as crabs and certain Anomura, also called the copepod stage, characterized by spines on the carapace and rudimentary thoracic and abdominal limbs.

Etymology

From New Latin zōaea, zōēa, from Ancient Greek ζωή (zōḗ, “life”) (compare ζῷον (zōîon)).